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Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Executing Entity/Implementing Partner:

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, MAF

Vientiane, Lao PDR

Implementing Entity/Responsible Partner:

National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, NAFRI

United Nations Development Programme

Report 2. Water Harvesting and Water Management Options for Agricultural Communities in Laos

Project ID:00076176 / ATLAS Award ID 60492

Improving the Resilience of the Agriculture Sector in Lao PDR to Climate Change

Impacts (IRAS Lao Project)

Project Contact : Mr. Khamphone Mounlamai, Project Manager

Email Address : kphonemou@yahoo.com

ສາທາລະນະລດ ປະຊາທປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊນລາວ

Lao People's Democratic Republic

ອງການສະຫະປະຊາຊາດເພ ອການພດທະນາ

United Nations Development Programme

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Effective water management and water harvesting

in support to agriculture adaptation to climate change (AA2CC)

Prepared by -Jeanny Wang Miles March 3, 2013

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Table of Contents Effective water management and water harvesting ..................................................................................... i

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................... iii

Executive Summary - English .................................................................................................................................. vi

Executive Summary – Lao .................................................................................................................................... viii

I. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 1

II. Target Areas in Savannakhet and Xayabouri Provinces ................................................................................. 3

A. Xayabouri Province – Parklai and Phiang Districts ...................................................................................... 4

B. Project Recommendations for Xayabouri Province ..................................................................................... 7

C. Savannakhet province – Champone and Outhomphone Districts .............................................................. 7

D. Project Recommendations for Savannakhet - Outhophone and Champhoune Districts: ..................... 12

III. WATER HARVESTING APPLICATIONS .............................................................................................................. 12

A. Roof Catchment Systems ........................................................................................................................... 13

i. Storage Jars and Tanks ........................................................................................................................... 15

ii. Rainwater Conveyance System .............................................................................................................. 21

iii. Downspout, Roof Washer or “First Flush” System ............................................................................. 21

iv. Operation and Maintenance for First Flush and Roof Washers ......................................................... 23

B. Model of basic cost estimate for a rooftop harvest system at target village schools ............................... 24

C. Ground Catchment Systems ...................................................................................................................... 26

i. Multi-purpose - Water Supply / Fish Ponds ........................................................................................... 26

ii. Storage Ponds – Volume Estimation and Excavation Costs ................................................................... 27

iii. Groundwater - Tube wells and Spring Development ......................................................................... 28

D. Rock /River Weirs and Canals – Irrigation Systems................................................................................ 29

IV. Water Management considerations for Climate Change Training Adaptation Modules (CCTAMs) .............. 30

A. Aspects of Water Management ................................................................................................................. 30

B. Crop/Agro-Forestry – water requirements for different crops, promote economic trees ....................... 31

a. Small Livestock – watering troughs ........................................................................................................ 31

b. Fisheries/Aquaculture ........................................................................................................................ 31

c. Fruit/Vegetables ..................................................................................................................................... 31

d. Off-farm adaptation/income – birdwatching, eco-tourism. homestays, mat weaving ..................... 31

e. “Safeguarding Land and Water” program for schools and temples .................................................. 32

V. Summary and Recommendations for communities and GoL agencies ........................................................... 32

A. Priority Recommendations for IRAS project water management components ........................................ 32

B. Project Ideas for Xayabouri Province ......................................................................................................... 33

C. Project Ideas for Savannakhet Province: ................................................................................................... 33

Appendix I. GIS Water Management and Climate Change Training - Concept Note ........................................... 36

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Appendix II.Table of Contents for a Full Design and Implementation of a Water Harvesting System ................ 37

Appendix III.. Generalized cost estimate for a rooftop harvest system at Vangthoum primary school ............. 38

Appendix IV. Operations and Maintenance Guideline for School Rooftop Harvesting System .......................... 39

Appendix V : Pre-Feasibility Implementation Plan for a Rainwater Harvesting System at Vangthoum Primary School in Xayabouri Province, Laos ...................................................................................................................... 39

List of Tables and Figures Figure 1. Laos Drainage Network and Locations of IRAS Project Target Districts ................................................. 3 Figure 2 Xayabouri Target Areas and Rainfall Grid ................................................................................................. 4 Figure 3 Savannakhet Target Areas and Rainfall Grid ............................................................................................ 4 Figure 4 : Xayabouri - Paklai District – Sites visited............................................................................................. 5 Figure 5: Xayabouri- Phiang District – Sites visited ................................................................................................ 5 Figure 6: Namlai Weir near Vangthoum Village ..................................................................................................... 5 Figure 7: Tatkai Canal fed by the Namlai River ....................................................................................................... 5 Figure 8: Vangthoum Primary school building ....................................................................................................... 6 Figure 9 : Vangthoum school garden with children ................................................................................................ 6 Figure 10 : Vangthoum Primary School Lavatory ................................................................................................... 6 Figure 11: Borehole of 2m depth pumped dry daily .............................................................................................. 6 Figure 12: Savannakhet - Outhomphone District – Elevation, Rivers, and GPS of Sites Visited ........................... 8 Figure 13: Huai Kao Weir completed in Oct. 2012 ................................................................................................ 9 Figure 14: Erosion next to the Huai Kao Weir ........................................................................................................ 9 Figure 15 : Outhomisai Reservoir.......................................................................................................................... 10 Figure 16: Outhomisai Reservoir vegetable gardens ............................................................................................ 10 Figure 17 Savannakhet: Champhone District – GPS of Sites Visited in B. Phiaka and B. Kengpun..................... 11 Figure 18 : Floating Aquaculture Systems ........................................................................................................... 12 Figure 19 . Three types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems .................................................................................. 13 Figure 20: Schematic of a rainwater harvesting design with tank (Oregon Rainwater Harvesting Guide).......... 14 Figure 21: Schematic of a typical rainwater catchment system (Source: UNEP IETC, 1998) ............................... 14 Figure 22 . Roof Harvest System and Underground Tank Schematics................................................................ 15 Figure 23. Concrete Storage Jar ........................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 24. Schematic of Storage Jar with Foundation and Tap ........................................................................... 17 Figure 25. Household Concrete Storage Jars ....................................................................................................... 17 Figure 26. Well Ring Tanks with Spigot ................................................................................................................ 17 Figure 27. Schematic of a corrugated steel cylindrical tank on a footing ........................................................... 18 Figure 28. Pre-cast concrete, concrete over wire mesh, or traditional concrete jars ......................................... 18 Figure 29. Example of a standpipe roof washer. .................................................................................................. 22 Figure 30. Optimal location for first flush ............................................................................................................. 22 Figure 31. Gutter Wedge ..................................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 32. Leaf Screen .......................................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 33. Gutter Protector .................................................................................................................................. 23 Figure 34. Perforated Gutter Protector with Mesh Screen .................................................................................. 23 Figure 35. Typical Standpipe First Flush................................................................................................................ 23 Figure 36. Floating Ball First Flush ........................................................................................................................ 23 Figure 37 Ground Catchment System ................................................................................................................... 26 Figure 38. Agro-ecological system for growing vegetables, raising livestock and fish ......................................... 27

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Figure 39. Overhead and cross-section view of a seepage spring development ................................................. 29

Table 1. Roofing Material and Associated Contaminants .................................................................................... 14

Table 2. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of various storage tank materials ......................... 16

TableTable 3 3. Various Storage Tanks and Average Costs of Building Materials ............................................. 19

Table 4. A comparison of locally produced concrete tank costs for different types and sizes ........................... 20

Table 5. Generalized cost estimate for a rooftop harvest system at Vangthoum primary school ..................... 25

Table 6. Calculation of excavation amounts based on rectangular, round and oval surface areas .................... 28

Table 7. Excavation costs based on excavated volumes and labor rates ............................................................ 28

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Executive Summary - English Enhancement of water management opportunities will increase the resilience and adaptive capacity of agricultural communities to climate change, and help achieve Lao National Socio-Economic Development Plan’s goals. The mission on “Effective Water Management and Water Harvesting for Agriculture Adaptation to Climate Change” was mobilized by the IRAS project in order to assess opportunities for strengthened water management and water harvesting for target districts and provinces in Lao PDR and recommend measures to prepare for the uncertainties in water availability caused by Climate Change.

This second report (“Water Harvesting and Water Management Options for Agricultural Communities in Laos”) will be most useful at the community level. It is the result of site visits in the target communities and a synopsis of water harvesting and water management possibilities that are suitable to the climate, terrain, and specific local needs primarily in target communities in Paklai and Phiang Districts in Xayabouri Province, and Outhomphone and Champhone Districts in Savannakhet Province. Field conditions and current water management practices are elaborated in this report, and sites that the team visited were mapped with a Garmin GPS and displayed using a GIS map format (pages 8 and 11). All project ideas proposed were discussed and recommendations given regarding these and other potential climate change adaptation opportunities. This report gives a review of different types of water harvesting systems including rooftop catchment systems, slope surface catchment ponds, and tributary weir-canal systems, with different features and considerations elaborated with schematics and diagrams. Rooftop harvesting is discussed in more details, with selection considerations for storage tanks, roof washers, and conveyance systems as well as general cost parameters and unit costs for equipment, parts, and labor required for building these systems. Multi-purpose ponds, floating aquaculture, and groundwater quality concerns are discussed as well. A conceptual rooftop harvesting design and cost estimate was prepared for a primary school in Paklai, Xayabouri and this template may be used in other IRAS water harvesting designs.

General water management and climate change adaptation recommendations are proposed for the IRAS project and specifically for the target districts in Xayabouri and Savannakhet Provinces. These recommendations along with others related to water management for CCTAM activities are also presented in this report in Section 8. The following six primary recommendations could promote better water management for the IRAS climate change adaptation program. These recommendations pertain to the different regions in different times of the year. To varying degrees, these areas are in general characterized by drought conditions during the dry season, and flood conditions during the wet season, and subject to greater extremes and uncertainties due to climate change.

Priority Recommendations for IRAS project water management components

School Water Harvest Systems in 2-3 schools in each District in 2013

Bore Holes in a drought prone locales like in Paklai and Outhomphone; Test groundwater quality

Design / Implement non-stream affiliated multi-purpose ponds (any locale)

Off-Farm Activities - promoting mat weaving, bird watching, ecotourism (Champhone- flood prone)

Climate Change & Water Management training and data-sharing through GIS/ Spatial Planning

Application of Water Management components for other CCTAM development

Other site specific recommendations are provided for the target districts and provinces are also summarized here. A key to implementation of a sustainable resource use plan is to select a diversity of options to match the different needs and conditions of the communities throughout the year.

Project Ideas for Xayabouri Province

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Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems at primary schools in the target villages, at minimum Vangthoum and Nasom (B. Nathan) in Paklai District, and two in Phiang District;

Drill boreholes in B. Takdaet, at Vangthoum elementary, for supplemental water supply.

Offer additional jumbo jars, well-ring tanks of 1-3 m3 size at community sites ( hospitals and temples);

Promote agroforestry or planting of economic trees, or other vegatation to maintain soil and moisture;

Encourage ecological design of non-stream associated water supply – and multi-purpose ponds.

Planning and design assistance to determine baseline of water delivery system before (irrigation) prior to potential improvements of canal or control gate at Nascing Weir, or creation of a sediment basin.

Offer water management and GIS training for planning implementation of CCTAMs

Project Ideas for Savannakhet Province:

School roof harvesting systems in two schools / district

Offer 1-2 m3 tanks (concrete or jumbo jar) for households:

Assist process change for manufacture of 1000 liter jars with valves (Chamhone: B. Nongkhoun)

Design and produce jar/tank covers

Encourage greenhouses and revegetation in Outhomphone

Offer and build livestock/small animal watering troughs

Encourage off-farm activities (black-smithing in Outhomphone: B. Na Huakhua, B. NakaSot)

Encourage off farm activities (Champhone: mat weaving, bird watching tours at Bak/Ramsar site)

Introduce floating aquaculture ponds /herb gardens (B. Kengpun).

Although sustainable water management is not directly a climate change adaptation, climate change causes greater uncertainties regarding the frequency and duration of flood/drought events which forces communities to adapt to the situations imposed on them, and possibly do something different than they have been doing already (e.g., grow a different crop besides rice, or emphasize alternate livelihoods). Integrated watershed planning includes quantifying the amount of water needed for different activities, and looking at all the various river basin development issues more holistically.

Water Harvesting remains a viable solution for assisting Lao agricultural communities to adapt to climate change, and it is of paramount importance is the need to consider ecological processes and watershed scale interactions – prior to any medium to large scale development of water for irrigation. Balancing physical, social, ecological concepts from the perspective of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is needed before diverting all the ungaged flow of nearby streams and rivers for rice production.

With increased understanding of sustainable water management there will be increased local and policy level adaptation to climate change. Without it, misconceived interventions occur that exploit river resources without any understanding of upstream or downstream effects, ecological values, or knowledge of the amount and location of water available throughout the year. Regardless, there exists the ingenuity of local communities to adapt to uncertainties imposed by climate change on the availability of water, and a desire to find any means of being able to cope with water scarcity or flood risk. Through the practice of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Resilient Adaptation (diversifying crops, supplies, and economic enterprises), significant adaptations for climate change induced sustainable water management can be achieved. Multi-sectoral training to enhance watershed planning and design of water management interventions will further enhance climate change adaptation and resilience.

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Executive Summary – Lao

ວທການຕາງໆໃນການເກບກກນ າໃນວຽກງານກະສກ າຂອງຊມຊນ ໃນ ລາວ

ບດສະຫລບຫຍ ການປບປງການຄມຄອງກາລະໂອກາດໃນການນ າໃຊນ າຈະເປນການຊວຍເພມທະວໃນການສາງຄວາມອາດສາມາດໃນການປບຕວ ແລະທນທານ ໃນວຽກງານກະສກ າຂອງຊມຊນຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ ແລະທງຊວຍເຮດໃຫບນລ ເປາໝາຍແຜນພດທະນາເສດຖະກດສງຄມແຫງຊາດ. ການສ າຫລວດກຽວກບ “ ການຄມຄອງນ າ ແລະ ເກບກກນ າໃນການປບຕວທາງດານກະສກ າຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດຢາງມປະສດທຜນ" ທ ຈດຕງປະຕບດ ໂດຍ ໂຄງການ ປບຕວດານກະສກ າຕ ສະພາບການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ (IRAS) ເພ ອປະເມນກາລະໂອກາດໃນການປບປງການຄມຄອງນ າ ແລະ ເກບກກນ າ ໃນເມ ອງ ແລະ ແຂວງເປາໝາຍ ໃນສປປລາວ ແລະທງສາງຂ ແນະນ າໃນການກ ານດມາດຕະການ ເພ ອກຽມພອມຕ ຄວາມບ ແນນອນ ໃນການເກບຮກສານ າໄວໃຊທ ເກດຈາກການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ. ບດລາຍງານທສອງນ, ( “ ການເກບກກນ າ ແລະ ການຈດການທາງເລ ອກອ ນໆ ເພ ອຮບໃຊວຽກງານກະສກ າຂອງຊມຊນ ໃນ ລາວ. ”) ຈະເປນປະໂຫຍດທ ສດໃນລະດບຊມຊນ. ມນແມນໝາກຜນຂອງການຂອງການໄດໄປເຮດວຽກຢ ພ ນທ ຂອງເປາໝາຍເຂດຊມຊນໂຄງການ ແລະ ເປນບດສະຫລບທ ສ າຄນ ໃນການເກບກກນ າ ແລະຄມຄອງນ າ ເພ ອໃຫເໝາະສມຕ ດນຟາອາກາດ, ພ ນທ ແລະຄວາມຈ າເປນສະເພາະໃນເບ ອງຕນ ໃນເຂດຊມຊນສະເພາະ ໃນເມ ອງປາກລາຍ ແລະ ເມ ອງພຽງ ແຂວງ ໄຊຍະບ ລ ແລະ ເມ ອງອທມພອນ ແລະ ເມ ອງຈ າພອນ ໃນ ແຂວງສະຫວນນະເຂດ. ສະພາບເງ ອນໄຂໃນພາກສະໜາມ ແລະການປະຕບດຕວຈງໃນການຄມນ າໃນປະຈບນ ແມນໄດອະທບາຍໃນບດລາຍງານນ. ສະຖານທ ທ ທມງານ ໄດລງສ າຫລວດ ແມນໄດໝາຍລງໃນແຜນທ ໂດຍການໃຊ ເຄ ອງ GPS ແລະ ໄດສະແດງຢ ໃນຮ ບແບບແຜນທ ລະບບຂ ມ ນຂາວສານພ ມມປະເທດ(GIS) (ໜາ 8 ແລະ 11). ແນວຄວາມຄດຂອງໂຄງການທງໝດແມນໄດປກສາຫາລ ແລະສາງເປນຂ ແນະນ າໃນບດດ ງກາວ ແລະພອມດຽວກນກ ໄດກ ານດກາລະໂອກາດຕາງໆທ ມຄວາມເປນໄປໄດ ໃນການປບຕວຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ. ບດລາຍງານນ ໄດມການທບທວນ ກຽວກບຮ ບແບບຕາງໆຂອງລະບບເກບກກນ າຊ ງລວມມລະບບເກບກກນ າຝນຈາກຫລງຄາ, ລະບບເກບກກໃນໜອງສະ ແລະ ລະບບຝາຍນ າລນທ ມຮ ບຮາງແຕກຕາງກນໄປພອມດວຍຂ ພຈາລະນາໃນແຕລະປະເພດທ ໄດບນລະຍາຍ ຕາມຮ ບແບບ ແລະ ແຜນວາດຂອງມນ. ການເກບກກນ າຝນຈາກຫລງຄາ ແມນໄດປກສາຫາລ ກນຢາງລະອຽດສມຄວນ, ຊ ງລວມທງຂ ພຈາລະນາຕາງໆກຽວກບຖງເກບນ າ,ຝາປດ ແລະລະບບລະບາຍຂອງມນ ແລະຕະຫລອດຮອດຫວໜວຍລາຄາສ າລບອປະກອນ,ສນສວນ ແລະ ແຮງງານທ ຕອງການໃນການກ ສາງລະບບດ ງກາວ. ພອມດຽວກນນນ, ກ ໄດປກສາຫາລ ກຽວກບການຂດໜອງສະ ເພ ອໃຊໃນປະໂຫຍດຕາງໆ, ການລຽງປາໃນກະຊງ ແລະຄນນະພາບຂອງນ າໃຕດນ.ນອກຈາກນນ, ຍງໄດພາກນອອກແບບ ແລະສາງແນວຄວາມຄດໃນການເກບກກນ າຝນຈາກ ສາຍຄາ ແລະ ຄາດຄະເນມ ນຄາການສາງ ໃຫ ໂຮງຮຽນປະຖມແຫງໜ ງ ໃນ ເມ ອງປາກລາຍ, ແຂວງ ໄຊຍະບ ລ ແລະ ແບບຄດໄລດ ງກາວນສາມາດເອາໄປນ າໃຊ ໃນການອອກແບບ ເກບກກນ າໃນບອນອ ນຂອງ ໂຄງການ IRAS ກ ໄດ. ໄດສາງຂ ແນະນ າທ ວໄປກຽວກບການຄມຄອງນ າ ແລະການປບຕວຕ ກບການປຽນແປງດນຟາເພ ອສະເໜຕ ໂຄງການປບຕວທາງດານກະສກ າຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ (IRAS)ແລະ ຂ ແນະນ າສະເພາະ ສ າລບເມ ອງເປາໝາຍຂອງໂຄງການ ຢ ແຂວງ ໄຊຍະບ ລ ແລະ ແຂວງ ສະຫວນນະເຂດ. ບນດາຂ ແນະນ າດ ງກາວນ ແມນປະຕບດຕາມການຈດການຄມຄອງນ າສ າລບບນດາກດຈະກ າທ ໄດລະບໄວໃນຫລກສ ດຝກອບຮມຂອງການປບຕວຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ( CCTAM ) ຊ ງໄດສະເໜຢ ໃນບດລາຍງານນ ໃນພາກທ 8. ບນດາຂ ແນະນ າ 6 ຂ ເບ ອງຕນນອາດຈະຊວຍໃຫສ ງເສມການຄມຄອງຈດການນ າໃຫດຂ ນແຜນງານການປບຕວຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດຂອງໂຄງການIRAS. ບນດາຂ ແນະນ າດ ງກາວແມນຂ ນກບຄວາມເໝາະສມໃນແຕລະພາກ ແລະ ເວລາທ ແຕກຕາງກນໃນໜ ງປ.

ix

ຕ ກບຄວາມທ ແຕກຕາງກນນ, ເຂດພ ນທ ດ ງກາວ ໂດຍລວມແລວ ແມນມລກສະນະແຫງແລງ ໃນຊວງລະດ ແລງ ແລະ ມນ າຖວມໃນຊວງລະດ ຝນ,ເຮດໃຫມຄວາມຮນແຮງ ແລະ ຄວາມບ ແນນອນເກດຂ ນ ເນ ອງຈາກມການປຽນແປງທາງດານດນຟາອາກາດ.

ຂ ແນະນ າຕນຕ ສ າລບອງປະກອບການຄມຄອງນ າ, ໂຄງການ IRAS

ສາງລະບບເກບກກນ າໃນໂຮງຮຽນ, ເມ ອງລະ 2-3 ໂຮງຮຽນໃນປ 2013 ເຈາະນ າບາດານໃນເຂດແຫງແລງ ຄ ເມ ອງ ປາກລາຍ ແລະ ເມ ອງ ອທມພອນ, ທດສອບຄນນະພາບນ າໃຕດນ ອອກແບບ ແລະ ຂດໜອງ ເພ ອເກບກກນ າໄວໃຊ(ໃນບອນທ ເກດໄພແຫງແລງ) ເຮດອາຊບເສມ (ທ ແມນການເຮດກະສກ າ) - ສ ງເສມການສານສາດ, ການທຽວຊມນກ,ການທອງທຽວທາງນເວດ (ເມ ອງຈ າ

ພອນ- ເຂດນ າຖວມ) ຈດຝກອບຮມ ການຄມຄອງນ າ ແລະ ການປ ກຈດສ ານກ ກຽວກບການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ ແລະ ການແລກປຽນຂ ມ ນ

ທາງລະບບຂ ມ ນຂາວສານພ ມມປະເທດ (GIS) / ການວາງແຜນກ ານດພ ນ ( Spatial Planning) ນ າໃຊອງປະກອບການຄມຄອງນ າຂອງແຜນງານໂຄງການ ເພ ອພດທະນາຫລກສ ດການປບຕວຕ ກບການປຽນແປງດນຟາ

ອາກາດ

ບນດາຂ ແນະນ າສະເພາະໃນເຂດເປາໝາຍເມ ອງ ແລະ ແຂວງແມນໄດສງລວມໃນບດລາຍງານນເຊ ນກນ. ການຈດຕງປະຕບດຕນຕ ຂອງແຜນການນ າໃຊຊບພະຍາກອນແບບຍ ນຍງທ ຄດເລ ອກມາໃຊໃຫແທດເໝາະກບຄວາມຕອງການ ແລະ ສະພາບເງ ອນໄຂທ ແຕກຕາງກນຂອງຊມຊນໃນຕະຫລອດປ.

ແນວຄວາມຄດຂອງໂຄງການສ າລບແຂວງໄຊຍະບ ລ

ສາງລະບບເກບກກນ າຝນຈາກຫລງຄາຢ ໂຮງຮຽນປະຖມໃນບານເປາໝາຍ, ຢາງໜອຍ ແມນຢ ບານວງທມ ແລະນາສມ (ບານນາຕານ) ໃນເມ ອງປາກລາຍ ແລະອກສອງແຫງຢ ເມ ອງພຽງ

ເຈາະນ າບາດານຢ ບານຕາກແດດ, ໂຮງຮຽນອະນບານບານວງທມເພ ອສະໜອງນ າໃຊເພ ມເຕມ ຊວຍໃຫ ໃຫຍເພ ອເກບກກນ າ, ເຮດຖງເກບນ າແບບແທງນ າສາງຂະໜາດ 1-3 ແມດກອນ ໃຫເຂດຊມຊນ

( ໂຮງໝ ແລະວດ) ສ ງເສມການເຮດກະສກ າປາໄມແບບປະສມປະສານຫລ ປ ກໄມເສດຖະກດຫລ ປ ກພ ດອ ນໆ ເພ ອປບປງດນ ແລະຮກສາຄວາມ

ຊມຊ ນ ກະຕກຊກຍ ສ ງເສມອອກແບບການສາງບອນເກບກກນ າທ ເປນມດກບສ ງແວດລອມ-ການຂດໜອງສະເພ ອໃຊໃນປະໂຫຍດ

ຕາງໆ ຊວຍວາງແຜນ ແລະອອກແບບ ເພ ອກ ານດລະບບການແຈກຢາຍນ າກອນ ( ສາງຊນລະປະທານ) ກອນປບປງຄອງນ າຫລ ປະຕ

ຄວບຄມນ າຢ ຝາຍນ າລນນາສງຫລ ສາງອາງຮອງຮບການຕກຕະກອນ. ສະເໜລະບບການຄມຄອງຈດສນນ າ ແລະຝກອບຮມການນ າໃຊGIS ໃນການວາງແຜນຈດຕງປະຕບດຫລກສ ດການປບຕວຕ

ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ (CCTAMs)

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ແນວຄວາມຄດຂອງໂຄງການສ າລບແຂວງສະຫວນນະເຂດ

ສາງລະບບເກບກກນ າຝນຈາກຫລງຄາ ສອງ ໂຮງຮຽນ / ເມ ອງ ສາງຖງເກບນ າ( ເປນຄອນກລດ ຫລ ໄຫ) ຂະໜາດ 1-2 ແມດກອນ ໃຫຄວເຮ ອນ: ຊວຍປຽນໃຫນ າ ຂະໜາດ 1000 ລດ ພອມດວຍ ວາວຝາປດ ( ບານ ໜອງຄ ນ ເມ ອງ ຈ າພອນ) ອອກແບບ ແລະ ຜະລດໃຫ/ຝາປດຖງ ຊກຍ ສາງເຮ ອນເພາະຊ າ (ເຮ ອນຂຽວ) ແລະ ປ ກພ ດພ ດຕາງໆຄ ນ ໃນ ເມ ອງ ອທມພອນ ສະເໜ ແລະ ສາງບອນເກບກກນ າ ສ າລບລຽງສດໃຫຍ ແລະ ສດນອຍ ຊກຍ ກດຈະກ າອາຊບເສມຕາງໆ ( ບານຫວເຄ ອ, ບ. ນາກະໂສກ ເມ ອງອທມພອນ: ຕເຫລກ ) ຊກຍ ກດຈະກ າອາຊບເສມຕາງໆ (ເມ ອງຈ າພອນ: ສານສາດ, ທຽວຊມນກ ໃນເຂດອະນລກດນທາມ ແນະນ າການລຽງປາກະຊງໃນໜອງ /ປ ກພ ດສະໜ ນໄພ (ບ. ແກງປນ).

ເຖງແມນວາການຈດການນ າແບບຍ ນຍງບ ແມນວທການປບຕວຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ ໂດຍຕງກ ຕາມ, ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ ເປນສາຍເຫດໃຫເກດມຄວາມບ ແນນອນກຽວກບຄວາມຖ ແລະ ໄລຍະເວລາຂອງການເກດເຫດໄພນ າຖວມ/ແຫງແລງຊ ງມນໄດເຮດໃຫຊມຊນຕອງປບຕວເຂາກບສະພາບທ ເກດຂ ນ ແລະມຄວາມເປນໄປໄດທ ຈະຕອງເຮດບາງສ ງບາງຢາງທ ແຕກຕາງກບສ ງທ ເຄຍເຮດຜານມາ (ຕວຢາງປ ກພ ດຊະນດຕາງໆປະສມກບເຂາຫລ ຊອກຫາຊອງທາງອ ນໃນການດ າລງຊວດ). ການວາງແຜນຈດສນນ າແບບປະສມປະສານອາດຈະລວມເອາທງການຄດໄລປະລມານນ າທ ຈ າເປນ ໃນກດຈະກ າຕາງໆ ແລະກ ຈະຕອງເບ ງໝດທກບນຫາໃນການພດທະນາອາງໂຕງ.

ການເກບກກນ າຍງເຫນວາເປນແນວທາງໃນການແກບນຫາໄດຢ ໃນການຊວຍຊມຊນທ ເຮດການຜະລດກະສກ າເພ ອປບຕວຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ ແລະກ ຍງເປນສ ງທ ສ າຄນທ ຈ າເປນ ເພ ອພຈາລະນາເບ ງຂະບວນການທາງດານນເວດວທະຍາ ແລະ ຂະໜາດຂອງການກະທບຊ ງກນແລະກນຂອງແຫລງນ າ - ກອນທ ຈະພດທະນາຂະໜາດ ຊນລະ ປະທານ ແຕຂະໜາດປານກາງຫາຂະໜາດໃຫຍ. ການສາງຄວາມດນດຽງທາງດານກາຍຍະພາບ, ສງຄມ, ນເວດວທະ ຍາຈາກມມມອງຂອງການຄມຄອງຊບພະຍາກອນນ າແບບປະສມປະສານ ແມນ ມຄວາມຈ າເປນກອນທ ທ ຈະປຽນແປງທດທາງການໄຫລຂອງຫວຍ ແລະ ແມນນ າເພ ອການຜະລດເຂາ.

ໃນການເພມທະວຄວາມເຂາໃຈໃນການຄມຄອງນ າ ແບບຍ ນຍງມນກ ຍ ງເຮດໃຫ ເພມທະວລະດບນະໂຍບາຍການປບຕວຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ ໃນທອງຖ ນໄດດຂ ນ. ປາສະຈາກຄວາມເຂາໃຈດ ງກາວ, ມນກ ເຮດໃຫເກດມຄວາມເຂາໃຈຜດໃນການແກໄຂ,ຊ ງອາດຈະເຮດໃຫທ າລາຍຊບພະຍາກອນແມນ າ ແລະ ບ ສາມາດເຂາໃຈຕ ຜນກະທບ ຂອງລ ານ າໃນຕອນລມ ແລະ ຕອນເທງ, ຄນຄາທາງນເວດວທະຍາຫລ ຄວາມຮ ຂອງປະລມານນ າ ແລະ ຈດສະ ຖານທ ທ ມນ າໃນຕະຫລອດປ. ຖາບ ຄ ານງ ເຖງສ ງດ ງກາວ,ການປບຕວຂອງຊມຊນຕ ຄວາມບ ແນນອນທ ເກດຈາກການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດໃນການຮກສານ າໃຫມໄວ ແລະ ຊອກຫາມາດຕະການຕາງໆໃນການແກ ໄຂບນຫາຂາດແຄນນ າ ຫລ ຄວາມສຽງຈາກໄພນ າຖວມ. ໂດຍຜານການປະຕບດຕວຈງໃນການຄມຄອງຈດສນຊບພະຍາກອນນ າ ແບບປະສມປະສານ ແລະການປບຕວໃຫມຄວາມທນທານ ( ການປ ກພ ດຫລາກຫລາຍຊະນດນ າກນ, ການນ າໃຊອປະກອນ ເຄ ອງມ ຕາງໆ ແລະການຄາຂາຍ),ການໃຫຄວາມສ າຄນໃນການປບຕວຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດຈະຊວຍເຮດໃຫບນລເປາໝາຍໃນການຄມຄອງນ າ ແບບຍ ນຍງ.ພອມດຽວກນນນ,ການຈດຝກອບຮມໃນຂງເຂດຕາງໆກ ຈະຊວຍເຮດໃຫປບປງການວາງແຜນ ແລະອອກແບບໃນການກ ານດມາດຕະການແກໄຂຈດສນແຫລງນ າ ໄດດຂ ນ ແລະ ທງເປນການສາງຄວາມເຂມແຂງໃນການປບຕວ ແລະທນທານຕ ການປຽນແປງດນຟາອາກາດ.

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Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximize economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising

I. Introduction

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) seek to improve the resilience of agricultural populations to climate change through enhanced water management options, in particular water harvesting for domestic and agricultural uses. The IRAS1 project objective under this report objective falls primarily under Output 3.5: Rainfall Capture, storage and adaptive irrigation and/or drainage management, and small-scale flood or drought protection measures introduced in target areas. But water management concerns touch on nearly all other project objectives and outcomes.

This analysis focuses on water harvesting and related water management opportunities in the target districts of Parklai and Phiang in Xayabouri Province and Champhone and Outhompone in Savannakhet Province. A methodology for estimating water availability from rainfall was developed and presented in Report 1 of this Contract, and is used as a general basis for site specific water harvesting and water management options. Site visits were made to several villages to investigate local practices for obtaining and using household, farmscale and regional irrigation systems in both. The current status and contemporary practices of water harvesting and water management were investigated for household use, crop and livestock use. Ideas for climate change adaptations for agricultural improvement as well as alternate livelihoods were also exchanged. Water Harvesting remains a viable solution for assisting Lao agricultural communities to adapt to climate change. There are many different modes that may be considered including rooftop catchment systems, slope surface catchment ponds, and tributary weir-canal systems. The bulk of this report offers some general designs and cost parameters for several water harvesting systems including rooftop catchment systems and ground catchment systems. Unit costs and a general cost estimate a model rooftop harvesting system for schools is also presented in the target districts. There are many details belonging to the planning and design for any water harvesting system and these are generally touched upon with provision of a number of references and design guides. Of paramount importance is the need to consider ecological processes and watershed scale interactions for water development planning, particularly for medium to large scale development of water for irrigation. Information is needed regarding the condition of and flows in the river and stream network, in addition to irrigation and canal system. Quantification of water withdrawals and subsurface water availability would be necessary to inform designs for supplemental systems that harvest rainwater or intercept surface and surface flows. Straight irrigation development projects were seen to be outside the scope of this report on water harvesting and water management.

In addition, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is the recommended mode of coordinating planning for ecological, social and physical values. This especially important since there is insufficient knowledge of water management as different from irrigation management, and inadequate quantification of the flow benefits or ecological detriment of impounding and diverting many ungauged streams and rivers. Regional analysis of water availability is important for water management planning, and the recommended means for conducting this analysis is on a watershed scale, with the use of geospatial mapping and analytical tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS - Arc10.X). Policies and development assistance for largescale irrigation schemes need to be

1 Increasing Resilience of Agricultural Systems (IRAS)

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considered when planning other water management interventions for CCTAMs site specific interventions in the target areas. These different water management implementation and training options are presented here along with associated ecological and economic considerations of on and off-farm activities.

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II. Target Areas in Savannakhet and Xayabouri Provinces

The Target Districts for the IRAS project implementation of Parklai and Phiang in Xayabouri Province (northwest along Mekong River, Figure 1) and Outhomphone and Champhone in Savannakhet Province (south-central along Mekong River, Figure 1) were selected by an IRAS site selection team in the fall of 2012. From a total of 37 target villages named by the project, approximately three-five sites in each district were visited during the site visits conducted between December 16th and 29th 2012. The team consulted various local representatives including village and Kumban leaders, farmers, teachers, water user groups, NGOs, and irrigation departments during the Mission along with the IRAS Provincial Technical Coordinators, directors of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO) and District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO) for each target area. The objectives of the mission were to ascertain current water management and water harvesting practices, and to solicit ideas from the field for climate change adaptation.

Figure 1. Laos Drainage Network and Locations of IRAS Project Target Districts

The primary areas visited in Xayabouri are in the vicinity of Vangthoum and Takdaet Villages in Parklai District which are notably drier than other areas in the region (Figure 2). Vangthoum village leaders showed us the Namlai Weir and associated canals, the Tatkai canal near Huai Hom Khap stream, and theVangthoum Primary School. In Phiang District, the team visited with the Nascing Khunban, Nasom School in Ban Nathan, the sizeable Nam Tan Weir, and Nam Phiang #2 and #4 irrigation projects.

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Figure 2 Xayabouri Target Areas and Rainfall Grid

Figure 3 Savannakhet Target Areas and Rainfall Grid

A. Xayabouri Province – Parklai and Phiang Districts

Agricultural production is challenged by drought conditions in Vangthoum and Takdaet Villages in Paklai District. In Phiang District, flood conditions results from high flows in the streams and irrigation canals. Average annual rainfall in the target districts is 1678 mm.

Xayabouri: Paklai District (Figure 4) – B. Vangthoum and B. Takdaet – drought conditions

Vangthoum Village covers an area of 1649 hectares and has a population of 740 persons. Close to Vangthoum, the Namlai Weir (57m wide, 30m high) and associated 3800 m canals provides water for rice cultivation of 37 ha (currently 17 ha capacity during dry season). The weir was built between 1992-94 with a $10,000 USD grant from an NGO. (See Figures 6 and 7) The local people supplied the labor. The Village leaders seek to repair their system by adding a control gate to the weir, and remove sediment collecting in the reservoir. They also seek to repair the canals. Every year in November and May, crews of 70 people spend 4 days maintaining the canals. At a daily labor rate of 30,000 Kip, the annual Operation and Maintenance (O&M) budget is 168,000 Kip annually, or $2100 USD. Upon inspection the canals look to be in relatively good shape, with some erosion due to overflows occurring downstream of the canal in several places. The canal is 2m wide and between one and two meters high; at time of our visit the canal was flowing at 0.8 - 1m depth.

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Figure 4 : Xayabouri - Paklai District – Sites visited

Figure 5: Xayabouri- Phiang District – Sites visited

Figure 6: Namlai Weir near Vangthoum Village

Figure 7: Tatkai Canal fed by the Namlai River

In Takdaet, there are no irrigation projects and sometimes no rain even during the wet season. The community relies on groundwater which they would like to be able to store in jumbo jars. Maize is the main crop, with a little rice (10 ha), vegetable gardens with cabbage, eggplant, and chilis, agroforestry includes some teak, fruit, and rubber trees and with the raising of cattle, pigs and poultry. There are no farmers

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associations and little to do after harvest time in the dry season. Water tanks comprise 20% of household water use, though there is a misconception that using the jars may promote transfer of disease as the water collected is not clean, and storing it will encourage mosquitos. (Need secure lids for jars, and education of the first flush practice before collecting rainwater.) Due to their location near the Mekong River, groundwater levels are high, and potential opportunities for supporting tourism. Other off-farm activities include furniture making and there is a bottled water factory nearby that supplies many residents with their drinking water. Vangthoum Elementary School and the associated nursery school facility is envisioned as one of the first school water harvesting projects for the IRAS project. The rooftop that from which rainwater could be collected is 42m long and 8m wide (336 m2). The 72 students and 5 teachers have little access to water. The students bring their water from home to drink, and the students walk around 1km to get water for their school garden. Water is pumped daily from a borehole of 2m depth until it dries out, and there is no other water supply or storage on the school grounds. (Figures 8 and 9). If the water is collected toward the north side of the building, the additional water will flow past the latrines, downslope to the garden project, and then could recharge groundwater in the vicinity of the existing borehole (Figures 10 and 11).

Figure 8: Vangthoum Primary school building

Figure 9 : Vangthoum school garden with children

Figure 10 : Vangthoum Primary School Lavatory Figure 11: Borehole of 2m depth pumped dry daily

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Xayabouri- Phiang District (Figure 5) - B. Kang, B. Sibhouanhuoang, B. Nasom: Nascing Weir, Nam Tan Weir, Nam Phiang Weir #2-4

The primary crops in this area include rainfed lowland and irrigated upland rice. Several large irrigation projects have been constructed throughout the region that are comprised of weirs across rivers and associated canal distribution system. The team visited several large irrigation projects including the 45m wide Nam Tan Weir, which has 2150 meters of associated canals, and services 1600 hectares of paddy rice; and the Namphiang #4 weir which provides water for 102 ha of dry and wet season paddy rice, through two branches of canals (2500m, 1600m). The canals in the dry season flow at 50 cm depth and at 80cm in the wet season

The Nam Phiang #2 weir was re-constructed in 2002 for irrigation of 316 ha that is under the management of the water users group (WUG, established in 2002) and the Water Association of 359 households, which was established in 2006. Around 4B Kip ($500,000 USD) was invested in the project in 2002. Irrigation yields are reported to be 2.8 tons/ha for irrigated yield and 4.5 tons/ha wet season yield. Fees of 225,000 Kip are levied for each hectare which consists of 75,000 Kip or the WUG and 150,000 Kip for a farmer fund or the operation and maintenance of the system. The farmers reportedly have sufficient water for agricultural and domestic uses, though domestic water is obtained mainly from the rivers or canals.

The canal water is used by the community and schools for washing and sometimes cooking. Vegetables are grown along the banks of the stream and river. There is no reported pesticide or fertilizer use that would contaminate the canal water. Wells are reported to have high levels of iron. In Phiang, there is a producer for 1000 liter jumbo jars.

B. Project Recommendations for Xayabouri Province

1. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting System in at least two elementary school in the target villages, at minimum Vangthoum and Nasom primary (B. Nathan) in Paklai District, and two in Phiang District;

2. Drill boreholes in Takdaet, at Vangthoum elementary, for supplemental water supply. 3. Offer additional jumbo jars, well-ring tanks of 1-3 m3 size at community sites ( hospitals and temples); 4. Promote agroforestry or planting of economic trees, or other vegatation to maintain soil and moisture; 5. Encourage ecological design of non-stream associated water supply – and multi-purpose ponds. 6. Planning and design assistance to determine baseline of water delivery system before (irrigation) prior

to potential improvements of canal or control gate at Nascing Weir, or creation of sediment sediment basin.

7. Offer water management and GIS training for planning implementation of CCTAMs

C. Savannakhet province – Champone and Outhomphone Districts

In Savannakhet Province approximately 85% of agriculture in the province is rainfed and up to 15% is irrigated. Farmers in the Outhumphone District grow rice and also raise fish. The total fishpond area total 98,219 square meters fishpond areas up to 2000 square meters in size. Fish production yields are relatively low, at around 1.67 kilogram per square meter. Average annual rainfall in the target districts is over 1600 mm.

Savannakhet: Outhomphone District (Figure 12) – B. Nakasong Village – HuaiKao Reservoir (dry), B. NakaSoah (similar to B. Nong Ahong Noi), Outhonmisai Reservoir and vegetable gardens

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Crops grown in Outhomphone District include 14,605 ha of rice, 1300 ha mixed crops such as cucumber, watermelons, cotton, chili, and longbeans. There is some use of chemicals and fertilizer and insufficient water or their agricultural or domestic purposes. Since 1975, around 19 small storage projects have been built which include river weirs and reservoirs. Many households have insufficient water for their domestic use. There is some use of storage jars but it is not prevalent. The community would welcome additional storage jars.

Figure 12: Savannakhet - Outhomphone District – Elevation, Rivers, and GPS of Sites Visited

We learned from a meeting with the Department of Irrigation, that there are two planned locations for weirs (Nakeng and Nakasong on the Huai Kao, with rainfall of 1800 mm) and four places for reservoirs. Of these projects, three have been completed. Xe Bang Heung is a large priority irrigation project planned in the south of Savannakhet. There are a good number of water and irrigation projects that have international funding from organizations like JICA (Champhone), World Vision and other NGOs. However, in there is mostly local funding for the projects in our target villages. There are plans for new construction on the Huai Thahao for a reservoir that will provide water to 600 ha of paddy fields. In Ban Nakasong the village leader Mr. Kamseng showed us a 20 m long weir on the Huai Kao (Stream) that was completed in October. The project cost 1800M Kip and was meant to supply water to the newly expanded rice fields, but the last rainy season came late, and water was pumped from the river “day and night” to obtain any harvest, and currently the stream and reservoir is dry (Figure 13). In addition, there is significant erosion along the upstream side of the weir, where there is no riparian vegetation left and above

9

the rock gabions on either side of the weir, the hillslope has rilling and former banks have collapsed (Figure 14). The hope is that this reservoir will fill during the rainy season and will provide adequate water supply for rice expansion targets. Additional weirs are planned in B. Nong Ahong Noi and B. Nold Nakun (Hoy Tub River). In these regions households need to pump water from the ground for domestic use. Groundwater in this region is typically is 8-10m deep and costs around 5-7M Kip($625-875 USD) to drill a well not including the pump or electricity costs. (Recommend a water availability survey of the streams in the basin – need to map the rivers and weir/reservoir projects and canals that are planned). IWMI is starting a project to map groundwater in Savannakhet. Correlating surface water with groundwater availability, and testing groundwater quality is also recommended.

Figure 13: Huai Kao Weir completed in Oct. 2012

Figure 14: Erosion next to the Huai Kao Weir

Upstream of this site, river pumping feeds a number of small vegetable farms. Ms. Van grows corn, longbeans, and cucumbers. Her plot of 300 m2 yielded 800,000 kip per year from 10 collections of 3-5000 kip/bunch/sale. She also manages 0.2 ha of corn. Her family’s profit for their produce 2M Kip last year (from Income of 3M kip, and expenses of 1M kip, which includes electricity costs for pumping water from river.

In Outhomisai, there is a 120m x 170m reservoir that benefits the Nongluam Ban ("collective"). Built in 2010 at the cost of 220M Kip, the provincial government office paid to build the reservoir for the community. Madame See farms organic vegetables like lettuce, herbs, basil, chilis and earns 10M K/yr on her 2.1 ha (30m x 70m) plot of land. (Figure 15-16)

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Figure 15 : Outhomisai Reservoir

Figure 16: Outhomisai Reservoir vegetable gardens

Observations: River based water supply is very likely being over-estimated in certain areas and seasons. Protection of the riparian and wetland areas is needed along rivers and streams. Water management concepts are poorly understood, and is viewed as primarily as irrigation development. Ecological and hydrologic processes are needed to better inform water management (development) decisions.

Savannakhet: Champhone District (Figure 17) – B. Phiaka and B. Kengpun– river floodplain conditions

There are plans for a small reservoir on the Houai Phaleng, with a capacity of 40,000,000 m3. Phiaka and Kengpun villages are in the Champhone River floodplain. Both villages typically flood up to 1m during the wet season and schools closed down for four months a year due to high water levels and difficulty in getting around. In Champhone most households have a boat under their domiciles that are on stilts.

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Figure 17 Savannakhet: Champhone District – GPS of Sites Visited in B. Phiaka and B. Kengpun

B. Phiaka has a total area of 217 ha of which 213 ha are rice (58.8 irrigated), with 1 0.3 ha farm pond, and 556 total residents. The local primary school has 53 students and 2 teachers, and the school uses water from the surrounding irrigation canals, along the paddy fields. Though we were told there is not enough water in the dry season, at least the canals (built in 2008) were running full. A large pump irrigation system was pumping water (from the Champhone River) from 90-100 days a year from 7am-6pm at the cost of 18M Kip/year (100,000 Kip/ha). Groundwater has high salinity, and though they dug a well on the temple grounds, the water from the well cannot currently be used. B. Kengpun has 104 households with 574 people, 145 ha paddy rice in the rainy season. However, the entire village floods up to one meter since they are located within the river floodplain. This causes a problem for the rainy season rice as well. There are 2.5 km of canals that are shared with the adjacent village. The canals were running full during the dry season at the time of our site visit. IRAS has purchased a 3m3 stainless steel tank for the temple, and they are currently building a platform for the tank and gutters and pipes to harvest water for the tank. The temple is only 1-2 meters above the canals and paddy fields. Most houses store boats

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under the stilts for getting around. The village uses small jars of 2-3 liters each and there is inadequate water for drinking and domestic use. The village (leader) has no idea how they can adapt to climate change. They want to be able to grow rice that they would transplant to higher elevation fields, but they do not have suitable land. During the rainy season the primary school serving 165 people shuts down (rainy season vacation is typically from July to September). The women weave mats and would be interested in getting their wares to market. They have no other off-farm activities and they do not raise livestock.

D. Project Recommendations for Savannakhet - Outhophone and

Champhoune Districts:

1. School roof harvesting systems in two schools / district 2. Offer 1-2 m3 tanks (concrete or jumbo jar) for households: 3. Assist with process change of local manufacture from 50 liter to 1000 liter jars with valves (B.

Nongkhoun in Champhone). 4. Design and produce jar/tank covers 5. Encourage greenhouses and revegatation in Outhomphone 6. Offer and site livestock watering troughs 7. Encourage off-farm activities (black-smithing in Outhomphone: B. Na Huakhua, B. NakaSot) 8. Encourage off farm activities (mat weaving in Champhone: B. Kengpun; lead bird watching tours at the

Bak or Ramsar site) 9. Introduce floating aquaculture ponds /herb gardens (Kengpun)

Figure 18 : Floating Aquaculture Systems

III. WATER HARVESTING APPLICATIONS Including rooftop harvesting, ground catchments and multi-purpose ponds, tube-wells, weirs and canals

Water Harvesting remains a viable solution for assisting Lao agricultural communities to adapt to climate change. There are many different modes that may be considered including rooftop catchment systems, slope surface catchment ponds, and weir-canal (Figure 19). As an example of water resource development in neighboring Thailand, in the late 1970s, the Royal Thai government formulated a decentralized policy of water

13

resources development in rural areas. The coordination and planning responsibilities were given to the district and managed by local authorities with participation of the user community. Three small scale technologies introduced were jars and tanks for drinking water, shallow wells for domestic water, and small weirs for agriculture. The capital cost of rainwater harvesting systems is highly dependent on the type of catchment, conveyance and storage tank materials used. However, compared to deep and shallow tubewells, rainwater collection systems are more cost effective, especially if the initial investment does not include the cost of roofing materials. The initial per unit cost of rainwater storage tanks (jars) in Northeast Thailand is estimated to be about $1 / liter, and each tank can last for more than ten years and the reported operation and maintenance costs are minimal. As rainfall is usually unevenly distributed throughout the year, rainwater collection methods can serve as only supplementary sources of household water. The viability of rainwater harvesting systems is also a function of: the quantity and quality of water available from other sources; household size and per capita water requirements; and budget available. The decision maker has to balance the total cost of the project against the available budget, including the economic benefit of conserving water supplied from other sources. The feasibility of rainwater harvesting in a particular locality is highly dependent upon the amount and intensity of rainfall. Other variables, such as catchment area and type of catchment surface, usually can be adjusted according to household needs.

Figure 19 . Three types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems

A. Roof Catchment Systems

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Roof catchment systems (Figures 20 and 21) from the roof of houses or buildings are a common means of collecting rainwater throughout the world. The roof area and the type of roof materials influence the efficiency of rainwater collection as well as the water quality. Galvanized corrugated iron sheets, corrugated plastic or tiles all make good catchment surfaces – but roofs made with asbestos or painted with lead-based paints should be avoided. Possible contaminants that can be found on different types of roofing material is shown in Table 1. Galvanized metal surfaces and terracotta tiles are common roofing materials in Laos. Contaminants are minimized if used with an adequate Roof Washing (or First Flush) system.

Table 1. Roofing Material and Associated Contaminants

Roofing Material Contaminants

Asphalt Shingles mold, algae, bacteria, dust, soot, moss, petroleum

compounds, gravel grit

Aluminum aluminum

Galvanized metal lead, cadmium, zinc

Sheet metal lead

Tar shingles copper

Terra cotta mold, algae, bacteria, moss

Wood mold, algae, bacteria, moss, wood preservatives

Roofs should be free from overhanging trees to prevent bird and animal droppings or decomposing leaves. The amount of water that can be collected is dependent on the amount of rainfall over the specific rooftop collection area, the collection system consisting of raingutters and pipes, and the size of the storage containers and daily or monthly water use or demand. Each rainwater harvesting system is unique and should be evaluated separately. Proper sizing is important when designing a system. It is important to know the amount of rainwater that could be collected, and the amount of water that will be used (demand). Determining the right sizing will affect installation cost, operation, and on-going maintenance.

Figure 20: Schematic of a rainwater harvesting design with tank (Oregon Rainwater Harvesting Guide)

Figure 21: Schematic of a typical rainwater catchment system (Source: UNEP IETC, 1998)

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Figure 22 . Roof Harvest System and Underground Tank Schematics

To determine how much rainwater you can expect to collect, multiply the catchment area, times the average rainfall, times the percentage of water you can reliably expect to capture (maximum 75%). This simple formula will give you a good idea of how much water you can expect to harvest from your roof’s collection system. (Oregon Rainwater system)

i. Storage Jars and Tanks Throughout Asia, jars made of earthen materials or ferrocement tanks are commonly used. During the 1980s, the use of rainwater catchment technologies, especially roof catchment systems, expanded rapidly in a number of regions, including Thailand where more than ten million 2 m3 ferrocement rainwater jars were built and many tens of thousands of larger ferrocement tanks were constructed between 1991 and 1993. Early problems with the jar design were quickly addressed by including a metal cover using readily available, standard brass fixtures. The immense success of the jar programme springs from the fact that the technology met a real need, was affordable, and invited community participation. (Intro to Rainwater Harvesting). As in other Asian countries, the winter months are dry, sometimes for weeks on end, and the annual average rainfall can occur within just a few days. The amount of rainwater that can be collected is simply the roof or runoff catchment area multiplied by the average monthly (or annual) rainfall, minus demand. Ideally, the storage capacity of the jars should be large enough to cover the demands of two to three weeks. For example, a three person household should have a minimum capacity of 3 (Persons) x 90 (liters) x 20 (days) = 5400 liters. As an alternative to storage tanks, battery tanks (i.e., interconnected tanks) made of pottery, ferrocement, or polyethylene may be suitable. The polyethylene tanks are compact, have a large storage capacity (ca. 1000 to 2000 liters), are easy to clean and have many openings which can be fitted with fittings for connecting pipes. However they are more expensive, need to be transported to the region, and they do not last as long as the ferro-cement tanks. Though there are many different types of storage tanks, they have different advantages and disadvantages (Table 2) in material characteristics, durability and cost.

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Table 2. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of various storage tank materials

(Virginia Rainwater Harvesting Manual)

Within the target areas, local producers of various size ferro-cement jars and cement well rings. A (ferro-cement) tank system with two 2000 liter tanks in series, with the option of using one while the other is being cleaned or maintained. In the case of Xayabouri, local production of ferro-cement jars are limited to 1000 liters and other producers in Savannakhet produce make only 20-30 liter jars. This is not enough for augmenting water supply and therefore well-ring tanks may also be a good option.

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Figure 23. Concrete Storage Jar

Figure 24. Schematic of Storage Jar with Foundation and Tap

In Xayabouri there are local manufacturers of 1000 liter concrete jars and 0.8 meter well-rings that can be stacked together to make a 1000 liter tank. In Savannakhet there are local manufacturers only of smaller 20-50 liter jars and various size well-rings. Potential investments in the manufacturing process for larger jars, can be a cost effective way to increase supply. Labor and transport costs will also determine the viability of the tanks selected for use in the water harvesting system.

Figure 25. Household Concrete Storage Jars

Figure 26. Well Ring Tanks with Spigot

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Design Considerations – Tank Features The size and number of tanks used depends on rainfall and demand for the water. The cost of the rainwater tank used depends on the cost of construction materials and the local capacity for construction in the area. The tank size and shape is a matter of preference and ease of construction, and for the target areas, 1000 liter jumbo jars and cement well-ring tanks work equivalently well, with a few additional construction considerations. The jumbo jars are a simpler unit and can be of lower cost if local production facilities are capable and transportation costs are not too high. Well-ring tanks are made in standard sizes and can be constructed in the field, but require additional work in the laying of a foundation, installation of spigots, and addition of gravels or sand. There is a large selection of materials that could be used as well. A schematic of a cylindrical corrugated steel tank and its associated components is shown in Figure 27.

Figure 27. Schematic of a corrugated steel cylindrical tank on a footing

Pre-cast concrete, concrete over wire wire mesh, or traditional concrete jars or well-ring tanks are several options (Figures K..L.M.).

Figure 28. Pre-cast concrete, concrete over wire mesh, or traditional concrete jars

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Assuming that rainwater harvesting has been determined to be feasible, two kinds of techniques--statistical and graphical methods--have been developed to aid in determining the size of the storage tanks. These methods are applicable for rooftop catchment systems and detailed guidelines for storage tank design can be found in Gould (1991) and Pacey and Cullis (1986, 1989) and other general guidelines listed in this report.

Appropriate tank size will depend on the average monthly rainfall and demand or the water stored. We can calculate the number of tanks people x amount of water used per person per day. (Source: http://www.thaiwatertank.com/). A general guideline could be:

- Residential 200 liters / person / day. - Building 40 liters / person / day. - School 50 liters / person / day. - Plant 60 liters / person / day.

Example: The house has five members, so the right size tank would be: 5 (# people) x 200 liters (daily per capita water use) = 1,000 liters / day.

Table 3 generally compares various storage tank materials and average costs or typical sizes. While costs for concrete jars and well-ring tanks that are produced in the IRAS target areas are shown in Table 4. Well-Ring tank construction will have higher on-site assembly costs but may be less expensive depending on transportation and materials used. Table 3 . Various Storage Tanks and Average Costs of Building Materials

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Table 4. A comparison of locally produced concrete tank costs for different types and sizes

Unit Unit size

(D, m) Height

(m) Units

Needed V

(liters) Unit Price (Kip/Baht)

Total Price (Kip)

Unit $ (USD)

Total $ (USD) Note

2

Jars - ferrocement

20-30 liter jar 100 25 50,000 $ 6 $ 600 S-1

1000 Liter Jar Tank 4 1000 500,000 500,000 $ 63 $ 252 X-1

2000 Liter Thai “Ong” 4 2000 800-1300 $45 $ 220 T-1

2500 liter special order 2500 ?? $ 200 S-2

Cylindrical Tanks

Well Rings m 0.8 0.5 4 1005 50,000 200,000 $ 6 $ 25 X-2

m 1 1 2 1571 80,000 160,000 $ 10 $ 20

m 1.5 1 2 3534 100,000 200,000 $ 13 $ 25

m 1.2 0.5 3 1696 90000 270,000 $ 11 $ 34 V-1

Cement kg 50 1 100 50,000 50,000 $ 6 $ 6

if local production kg 50 5 2500 50,000 250,000 $ 6 $ 31 S-3

ton kg 1000 750,000 $ 94 $ 4.69 X-3

Sand ton 1 700,000 $ 88 $ 4.38 X-3

Gravel ton 1 1,400,000 $ 175 $ 8.75 X-3

Sealant liter $ 25 $ 1.25 X-3

Well Ring Tank Subtotal

0.8 0.5 4 1005 $ 25 $ 100

1 1

Cover 1 $ 15

Local Tank Options for 4000 liter storage capacity 1000 Liter Jar Tank 4 1000 500,000 1,000,000 $ 63 $ 252 X-1

Well Ring Tank m 0.8 0.5 4 1005 $ 54 $ 218 X-2

Other features to consider include:

A solid cover to keep out insects, dirt and sunlight (to minimize algae)

A coarse inlet filter for excluding coarse debris, dirt, leaves and other solid materials

A tap that is raised at least 10 cm above the base of the tank will not extract the debris settling at the bottom of the tank. A good height is 30 cm above ground or above high water level in flood areas

A tank base should be raised to 15 cm above ground by building a solid base (e.g., concrete pad)

An overflow pipe close to the top of the tank

A manhole, sump and drain for cleaning

A lock on the tap

2 Champhone - B. Nongkhun, X-1:Paklai - B. Takdaet; S-2: Need production modification; X-2:Phiang - B. Khang; V-1: Price

between 80-100,000K in Vientiane; S-3: Cement requirements if local modification; X-3:est. 1/20 (50 kg); T-1: Thai 2000 liter “Ong”

in Chiang Rai between 800-13300 Baht (http://www.kasetporpeang.com/forums/index.php?topic=44826.0)

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An overflow field to drain spilled or flushed water to drain to areas that would benefit (garden, or groundwater recharge) and to prevent spilled water from collecting into puddles

A maximum height of 2m to limit water pressure on the tank and risk of bursting

A device to indicate the level of water in the tank

A sediment trap, tipping bucket or other first flush mechanism

Ideally, storage tanks should cleaned annually, and sieves should fitted to the gutters and down-pipes to further minimize particulate contamination.

ii. Rainwater Conveyance System The conveyance system includes gutters, downspouts and return pipes and is responsible for transporting

rainwater from the roof to the filter before it reaches the storage tank. (VRWHM, 2007)

Gutters move rainwater from the roof surface to the downspouts. Existing guttering systems can be retrofitted to divert water to storage tanks.

Guttering systems should be pitched to ensure all water runs out and the gutter is allowed to dry between rainfall events to prevent mosquito breeding and bacterial growth. The pitch should be 0.5% for 2/3 of its length and 1% for the remaining 1/3 length and ideally a semi-circular or trapezoidal shape.

Gutter systems should remain free from debris at all times to ensure water moves freely from roof surfaces to the storage tank. Installing covered gutters or adding guards to existing gutters is ideal to prevent debris buildup and clogging.

A coarse sieve should be fitted in the gutter where the down-pipe is located. Such sieves are available made of plastic coated steel-wire or plastic, and may be wedged on top and/or inside gutter and near the down-pipe. It is also possible to fit a fine sieve within the down-pipe itself, but this must be removable for cleaning.

A fine filter should also be fitted over the outlet of the down-pipe as the coarser sieves situated higher in the system may pass small particulates such as leaf fragments, etc. A simple and very inexpensive method is to use a small, fabric sack, which may be secured over the feed-pipe where it enters the storage tank

iii. Downspout, Roof Washer or “First Flush” System In addition to routing the water to the tank, there needs to be a mechanism for allowing the first rains from the roof which are laden with dirt, debris and other contaminants to be flushed out of the system, before rainwater is collected. The first liter per 25m of roof should be discarded to guarantee clean water collection. Filters are recommended at pipe inlets, and filters can be purchased or made, to assure that water stored for drinking is of optimal quality. (Figure 29. Example of a standpipe roof washer). Placement of the first flush tube is more optimal when it is not directly located beneath the downspout from the gutters (Figure 30). The reason is that the gravity forces clean roof water into the diverter if it is directly beneath the gutter downspout which mobilizes dirty water back into the cisterm or water tank; and by contrast, gravity holds first flush in the chamber or pipe while the clean water continues onto the tank. This system may include a leaf screen, a downspout with a Y connector that can be turned on and off when the water will be collected. Figures 31 through 34. Figures 35 and 36.

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Figure 29. Example of a standpipe roof washer.

Figure 30. Optimal location for first flush

Figure 31. Gutter Wedge

Figure 32. Leaf Screen

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Figure 33. Gutter Protector

Figure 34. Perforated Gutter Protector with Mesh Screen

Figure 35. Typical Standpipe First Flush

Figure 36. Floating Ball First Flush

iv. Operation and Maintenance for First Flush and Roof Washers Maintenance of first flush devices and roof washers:

1. Contaminated water in the first flush device should be drained after each rainfall event 2. Check or clogs and functionality of roof washers prior to rainy season 3. Empty standing water in roof washers after each rainfall event 4. Large below grade systems should allow evaporation or filtration of first flush water 5. Large first-flush devices should be evaluated yearly for sediment and debris, and cleaned regularly 6. Debris shield and vegetation traps should be evaluated to for unrestricted flow prior to rainy season.

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B. Model of basic cost estimate for a rooftop harvest system at

target village schools

With all these design considerations in mind, a general design and cost estimate (Table 5) for a school water harvesting system is presented here. Vangthoum Elementary is used as an example, and the parameters can be easily adapted to other sites. This site has 72 students and 5 teachers and a roof size of 42m x 8m or 336 m2. Annual average precipitation in the target districts in Xayabouri is 1428 mm with the heaviest rains occurring in July, August and September. Since school is out of session during the wet season, the storage tanks may be filled to capacity with little demand, and the water from the tanks would be used I the dry season.

Table 5 presents a basic cost estimate for a rooftop harvest system at Vangthoum Primary School (can be adjusted for other target village schools).

A Table of Contents of a report format for a pre-feasibility implementation report and “Full Design and Implementation of a Water Harvesting System at Vangthoum Primary School” is included in Appendix IV. Sample Calculations for Rainwater Collection vs. Demand is included in this appendix. Verification of design and calculations is recommended prior to final implantation of designs on site. A (incomplete) draft text of such a report also follow in the Appendix.

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Table 5. Generalized cost estimate for a rooftop harvest system at Vangthoum primary school

Unit Unit size

(D, m) Height

(m) Units

Needed V

(liters) Unit Price (Kip/Baht)

Total Price (Kip)

Unit $ (USD)

Total $ (USD) Note3

Storage Tank Supply and Construction Options

Jars - ferrocement

1000 Liter Jar Tank 4 1000 500,000 500,000 $ 64 $ 128 X-1

Spigot ea 8 12000 96,000 $ 6 $ 48 V-2

Cover 1 $ 15

Four 1000 liter jars with covers 0.5 4 1005 $ 191

width length Total Unit Price (Kip/Baht)

Total Price (Kip)

Unit $ (USD)

Total $ (USD) note

Materials for Conveyance and Other Accessories

Half Round Gutter (50cm) m 8 42 92 180 $ 6 $ 552 X-4

Hangers ea 14 80 $ 3 $ 37

Outlets & End Caps ea 1 $ 5 $ 5

Y-split ea 2 3000 $ 5 $ 10

First flush (pipe) m 0.5 $ 5 $ 3

PVC Piping m 4 3 20000 60,000 $ 8 $ 23 V-2

PVC corners ea 6 3000 18,000 $ 2 $ 14 V-2

Wire Mesh m2 1 $ 11 V-2

Cloth weave m 2 1 2 8000 16,000 $ 2 $ 4 V-2

Chlorine Tablets kg 2 $ 20 $ 20

Conveyance and Accessories Subtotal 0.5 4 1005 $ 718

Selected Tank 1000 Liter Jar Tank 4 1000 500,000 1,000,000 $ 63 $ 250 X-1

Well Ring Tank m 0.8 0.5 4 1005 $ 54 $ 218 X-2

Material Costs for System: 4(1000) Liter Jumbo Jars $909 (parallel tanks) 2(2000) Liter Well-Ring Tanks $936 Additional costs for labor and transport, around $200 for a maximum of $1100 USD per 4(1000 L) tank system Notes: S-1 Champhone - B. Nongkhun X-1 Paklai - B. Takdaet S-2 If modification from smaller jars X-2 Phiang - B. Khang S-3 Cement requirements if local modification X-3 est. 1/20 (50 kg) V-1 Price between 80-100,000K in Vientiane X-4 Xayabouri TC estimate V-2 Price in Vientiane T-1 Thai “Ong” in Chiangrai Province

The traditional jars ("Ong") 2000 liters go for anywhere from 650 baht (Roi Et province "รอยเอดบานผมก 650-

700 ครบ ") to 1300 baht (Chiang Rai province "800 ซอทไหนครบผมอยเชยงรายซอตง 1300") based on a Thai sustainable

agriculture website: http://www.kasetporpeang.com/forums/index.php?topic=44826.0

3 Champhone - B. Nongkhun, X-1:Paklai - B. Takdaet; S-2: Need production modification; X-2:Phiang - B. Khang; V-1: Price

between 80-100,000K in Vientiane; S-3: Cement requirements if local modification; X-3:est. 1/20 (50 kg); T-1: Thai 2000 liter “Ong”

in Chiang Rai between 800-13300 Baht (http://www.kasetporpeang.com/forums/index.php?topic=44826.0)

26

C. Ground Catchment Systems

These systems are often employed where suitable roof surfaces are not available. One advantage is that water can be collected from a larger area and this is useful in low rainfall regions. The water collected is not normally used for drinking water but to supplement agricultural operations (good for vegetable gardens).

Rainwater harvesting using ground or land surface catchment areas is less complex way of collecting rainwater. It involves improving runoff capacity of the land surface through various techniques including collection of runoff with drain pipes and storage of collected water. Compared to rooftop catchment techniques, ground catchment techniques provide more opportunity for collecting water from a larger surface area. By retaining the flows (including flood flows) of small creeks and streams in small storage reservoirs (on surface or underground) created by low cost (e.g., earthen) dams, this technology can meet water demands during dry periods. There is a possibility of high rates of

water loss due to infiltration into the ground, and, because of the often marginal quality of the water collected, this technique is mainly suitable for storing water for agricultural purposes. Various techniques available for increasing the runoff within ground catchment areas involve: i) clearing or altering vegetation cover, ii) increasing the land slope with artificial ground cover, and iii) reducing soil permeability by the soil compaction and application of chemicals (Wall and McCown, 1989). Within this section I am including the development of seeps and springs, as well as water supply ponds that capture subsurface flow and rainwater. Neither of these ground catchment systems are associated with the impoundment of flow in a stream or river.

i. Multi-purpose - Water Supply / Fish Ponds Ponds have been used in rural areas as water supply for drinking, agriculture and fish cultivation. Ponds can be sited on slopes as to intercept overland and subsurface flows, as well as capture rainwater. Some ponds are specially constructed with bunds so surface water cannot the ponds. This feature keeps the bed of the pond relatively free of sediment. Trees are often planted on all sides of the ponds to provide additional protection of the pond area. Water for these ponds can be supplied by rainwater, through groundwater, and surface water from streams or rivers. The advantage of the first rainwater and groundwater sources is that the water remains relatively clear whereas stream water stirs up the sediment and the water remains fairly muddy or turbid. Naturally occurring ponds or wetlands affiliated ponds are more productive and do not require the management or inputs as in a man-made pond. Once a pond is dug it must be maintained for productivity and sometimes water supply. Correct site selection is one of the most important parts of planning for a pond. If the site for the pond is well-chosen, the pond can be more productive (e.g. for fish) than the land by itself. But if it is not chosen well, the

Figure 37 Ground Catchment System

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farmer may lose, or, at best, gain nothing from his fish pond. Often poor agricultural land can be turned into very good fish ponds. In general, better soils make a better fish pond, but if the pond is on poor land, the pond can still be used for water supply and for fish. (VITA, 1976) Water supply, soil, and topography all are important, but water supply is the most important factor in selecting a site. Fish depend upon water for all their needs and need sufficient nutrients as well as grow and reproduce. Water availability for fish and as water supply must be balanced, and the source of water needs to be maintained, whether from rain, groundwater, springs or surface flows. Rainwater during the wet season is often enough to fill the pond, depending on the volume and operation and whether much water is lost to seepage. If the pond is built on agricultural land which is not producing good crops, but the pond is cared for well, eventually the pond bottom soil will become more fertile than it was before. If this pond is a large one, after harvesting the fish, the pond can be planted again with a land crop, like corn, and allowed to grow. Then when the corn is harvested, the land can be turned back into a fish pond. This means that a farmer can get two good uses out of his land instead of one poor crop. Agro-Ecology System

The following diagram illustrates some of the ways in which the fish pond fits into the farm: The same water source is used by both the garden and the fish pond; the mud from the bottom of the pond makes good fertilizer for the garden; vegetable matter from the garden can be used to fertilize fish ponds; manure from the animals can be used for the pond and parts of fish can be used to feed animals; etc. (VITA, 1976)

Figure 38. Agro-ecological system for growing vegetables, raising livestock and fish

ii. Storage Ponds – Volume Estimation and Excavation Costs

Ponds that have rounded edges and are oval or sinuous occur naturally and provide multiple functions for aesthetics, revegetation success, water clarity and access to wildlife. Although square and rectangular ponds are commonly constructed for the ease in calculating storage volumes, their steep sides are can be hazardous

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for humans as well as animals, and trees or other vegetation growing along the banks will not grow easily without being cared for. Especially for multi-purpose ponds (for water, fish and frogs) it is better to have a more natural configuration rather than square or rectangular with steep sides. Table 6 presents a calculation template or excavation amounts based on rectangular, round and oval surfaces so the cost for these configurations can be easily calculated. Table 7 presents some estimates of per unit earth removal costs by amount of material or labor rates.

Table 6. Calculation of excavation amounts based on rectangular, round and oval surface areas

Calculation of Volume (excavation amounts) width length depth V (m3)

Rectangular pond = W L D m3 20 30 2 1200

V (ovoid) = 4/3 pi W/2 L/2 D m3 20 30 3 942.5

V (ovoid) = 4/3 pi W/2 L/2 D m3 20 30 4 2513

V (spheroid) = 1/6 pi W L D D = 30 30 30 15 7069

Table 7. Excavation costs based on excavated volumes and labor rates

Excavation unit width length depth V (m3) Kip Unit $ Total USD

Contract excavation cost 5 20 3 300 5,000,000 $ 625

laborer - general 1 day 50-70,000 $ 20 $ 6

laborer - construction 1 day 70,000 $ 9

Excavator cost /m3 m3 5 20 3 300 80,000 $ 10 $ 3000

With these references, it is easy to calculate excavation volumes and costs for round, oval or sinuous ponds. And these ponds have better ecological function and aesthetics.

Depending on the underlying soils, to deter rapid infiltration, the pond may be lined with clay, or sprinkled with betonies after exaction is complete. The pond then acts like a perched wetland and gradual banks can maintain wetland and riparian vegetation, which also help maintain water clarity as well as nutrients and habitat for fish and water fowl.

iii. Groundwater - Tube wells and Spring Development

It is also less disruptive to the stream ecosystem to build water harvest ponds to collect rainwater, and intercept groundwater flows or springs, rather than diverting limited stream flow or building costly weir and canal systems. In addition to rainwater, sometimes groundwater can be used to supplement the water supply in the pond or storage tank. Figure 39 shows a plan view and cross section of a potential spring or seep development with a diversion ditch, underground collection tiles, and a cut off wall.

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Figure 39. Overhead and cross-section view of a seepage spring development

(North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Publication No. AG-473-15)

D. Rock /River Weirs and Canals – Irrigation Systems

These systems are generally constructed for communal supplies when rock outcrops provide suitable catchment surfaces. Within irrigation schemes, these systems are often constructed within a stream or river channel, using a weir that blocks the flow of the river, and diverts some of the flow through canal systems that lead to farms. Care must be taken that river basin planning is done on a larger scale, as there is often insufficient resources to develop the local stream and tributary systems in balance with the health of the local stream network. As in areas like Paklai or Phieng where medium and large scale irrigation projects have been built – the canal system often criss-crosses the streams system, with no clear idea by any land/water manager of the quantities of water withdrawn, diverted or maintained in artificial or natural channels. Sediment builds up the in weir systems and reduces the capacity o the reservoir volume. As well, the downstream areas are deprived of sediment that provide nutrients for the farm areas as well as fisheries. This is the case of the Huai Kao Weir, in Ban Nakasong in Savanakhet Province. The 20-25 meter long weir was completed in October 2012 at a cost of 1800M kip, with extensive undermining of the upstream river channel, and this river like others in the region has been dewatered, trees and vegetation within the riparian zone have been removed. There are many irrigation projects that have been developed in the target areas and nearly every village has ambitious rice expansion targets. International donors have funded the development of many of these schemes and the irrigation departments and ministries have a clear process for handling requests to expand or improve existing irrigation systems. However, there is insufficient knowledge of river flows to continue to plan extensive river impoundment systems. There are only one hundred total hydrological or weather station gages in all of Laos, and no river gages in the IRAS target districts; and as well, this paucity of data makes in near impossible to predict river flood forecasting – which is the mandate of the Hydrological and Meteorological / Water Resources Department (in MONRE) that is tasked with this responsibility. Therefore, the best way to manage water resources is to first map out the existing stream and river system with the existing and planned irrigation development, with quantification of the amounts, timing, and locations for the withdrawals of water (from the river) and delivery or use of the water in irrigated (rice) field production.

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IV. Water Management considerations for Climate Change Training Adaptation Modules (CCTAMs)

A. Aspects of Water Management

There is a need for more integrated water resources management and a watershed scale planning. Targets for rice production and expansion of irrigated rice are followed by large scale irrigation schemes that impound stream and river flows and divert them through canals to lowland paddy fields. In most cases the tributaries meant to provide this water are not gauged- therefore there is not a hydrological record that can be used to project water availability, nor is the amount of water that is diverted quantified or otherwise monitored. Therefore it is not clear even with the increased irrigation projections whether there is sufficient amount of water to meet the target demands. Also, in many areas (e.g. Paklai – near the Vangthoum Weir) the streams criss-cross the canals, with either flowing over into the other. There is inadequate consideration of the ecological services provided by natural streams nor is there provision for maintaining flows in the streams and rivers, especially during the dry season, when weir construction all but stops any downstream runoff, and projects and has caused considerable erosion and destruction of the banks and riparian zone upstream of the intended reservoir. In Savannakhet, projects like the Huai Kao Weir may not be the wisest way to use scarce resources. The situation of the river far below the fields to be irrigated, inadequate water supply and the highly erodible banks of the river all result in a non-functional project that damages ecological integrity, increases turbidity, and impedes river flows. The IRAS project needs to consider ecological processes and watershed scale interactions for climate change adaptation activities for water management. Crop water requirements for rice are 3-5 times higher than for other crops and alternate livelihoods should also be considered in areas that experience severe flood or drought conditions, not conducive to rice production. Concepts of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) are essential in achieving ecological as well as agricultural sustainability; and this needs to be emphasized over the mere exploitation of all river systems for expansion of rice production. Policy level changes may need to be made that consider the amount of water available for crop production, and the importance of maintaining healthy rivers and riparian zones. Regional analysis of water availability is important for water management planning, and the recommended means for conducting this analysis is with the use of geospatial tools and mapping using a Global Positioning System (GPS – such as Garmin) and Geographic Information System (GIS-such as Arc10.0 or higher). A helpful resource would be a map of select watersheds in collaboration with government offices for agriculture, forestry, water resources and irrigation. A proposed GIS and GPS training for water management and climate change adaptation would be a good way to create these needed maps and to thereafter also address general water management and planning issues that impact the siting and design of nearly all the other CCTAMs. Policies and development assistance for large scale irrigation schemes need to be considered when planning other water management interventions for CCTAMs site specific interventions in the target areas.

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B. Crop/Agro-Forestry – water requirements for different crops,

promote economic trees

Forests and wetlands play a vital role in the hydrologic cycle, in evapotranspiring water into the atmosphere, and in retaining water on the landscape. Education regarding watershed scale interactions and the value of preserving stream, hill slope and wetland values are as important as securing water supply for irrigation uses. Planting native vegetation or also fruit trees or other economic trees will help in overall serve as a good way to use water. Promoting agro-forestry is a wise use of water resources and managing water for re-establishing forest cover is a wise investment.

An important means of achieving sustainable land and water use and promoting food security is through the promoting “Resilient Adaptation” – which includes maintaining forest and wetland values and functions, diversifying crops, water supplies and other inputs, as well as diversifying economic activities and enterprises. Shifting a fraction of the predominant rice cultivation into crops that use less water and retain soil fertility (e.g., leguminous vegetables, tree and root crops) can significantly reduce consumptive water uses and ensure greater resilience to climate change induced conditions.

a. Small Livestock – watering troughs

The project can collect and store water with creation of some troughs and watering holes for small livestock. This would be a wise intervention in dry areas like Outhomphone and Paklai.

b. Fisheries/Aquaculture

Water supply and fish pond management and productivity is intricately linked to water supply and water management. Better design and management of multi-purpose ponds for fish and aquaculture should be promoted. Also, floating aquaculture can be promoted in places like Champhone – B. Kengpun that is subject to annual flooding of the river.

c. Fruit/Vegetables

Vegetable growing is already quite prevalent along the banks of rivers and canals. Expanding vegetable production with storage from rainwater stored in tanks or ponds is feasible and profitable.

d. Off-farm adaptation/income – birdwatching, eco-tourism. homestays, mat weaving

Each village has a specialty, and there are other opportunities for promoting off-farm income especially in places that experience detrimental floods and droughts. Close to the Bak and the Ramsar site in Savannakhet, villages like B. Phiaka and B. Kengpun may be able to develop homestays and ecotourism opportunities for birdwatchers and people who want to visit the wetlands. B. Kengpun would also like to expand their opportunities for selling mats which are woven by the women in the village. Linking products to their markets, such as bringing goods to the UBOD in Kaysone would be a very worthwhile endeavor.

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e. “Safeguarding Land and Water” program for schools and temples

Currently the IRAS project will target water harvesting opportunities for at least two schools or temples in each district for design and installation in 2013 (for a total of 8 in 2013). The generalized prefeasibility study and cost estimate for Vangthoume Primary school in Paklai will serve as a basis for other estimates and designs for water harvesting systems elsewhere. For the other areas, the locations, number of students, and rooftop dimensions of each participating school will be assembled for site designs. If there is adequate funding, a school water harvesting system can be designed for each target village, up to a maximum of 37-40 for each of the target villages identified in the IRAS site selection process. This activity will continue and expand service area by 2014.

V. Summary and Recommendations for communities and GoL agencies Although sustainable water management is not directly a climate change adaptation, climate change causes greater uncertainties regarding the frequency and duration of flood/drought events which forces communities to adapt to the situations imposed on them, and possibly do something different than they have been doing already - e.g., perhaps not grow rice when they don't have enough water or get flooded out every year, and instead entertain different options of crop choice or alternate livelihoods. Integrated watershed planning includes quantifying the amount of water needed for different activities, and looking at all the various river basin development issues more holistically. Water harvesting is a promising alternative for supplying freshwater in the face of increasing climate change induced water scarcity (or surplus) and escalating demand. The pressures on rural water supplies, greater environmental impacts associated with new projects, and deteriorating water quality in existing reservoirs, and environmental concerns of protecting surface water sources, constrain the ability of communities to meet the demand for freshwater from traditional sources, and present an opportunity for augmentation of water supplies using this technology. Promoting sustainable water management and increasing the ability for land managers to understand and manage resources is essential. The following six primary recommendations will promote better water management for the IRAS climate change adaptation program. A key to implementation of a sustainable resource use plan is to select a diversity of options.

A. Priority Recommendations for IRAS project water management

components

School Water Harvest Systems in 2-3 schools in each District in 2013

Bore Holes in a few locales like Paklai and Outhomphone; Test groundwater quality

Design / Implement non-stream affiliated multi-purpose ponds

Off-Farm Activities - promoting mat weaving, bird watching, ecotourism (Champhone)

Climate Change & Water Management training and data-sharing through GIS/ Spatial Planning

Application of Water Management components for other CCTAM development When there is increased understanding of sustainable water management there will be increased local and policy level adaptations to climate change. Regardless, there exists the ingenuity of local communities to adapt to uncertainties imposed by climate change on the availability of water, and a desire to find any means

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of being able to cope with water scarcity or flood risk. Through the practice of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Resilient Adaptation (diversifying crops, supplies, and economic enterprises), significant adaptations for climate change induced sustainable water management can be achieved. In addition, offering multi-agency geospatial training on water management and climate change will increase integrated capacity and data sharing for water management planning (Appendix IV). The training course can be conducted with portions that are in the mode of online/ distance learning through campus or extension. More specific ideas for each of the target districts and in Xayabouri and Savannakhet Provinces are also presented here. Implementation of specific interventions following conversations with the Provincial and Departmental Agriculture and Forestry Offices (PAFO and DAFO) is anticipated in the near future. Design and procurement for the ideas below would occur in the first quarter of 2013, and construction in the next – before the wet season rains begin. The systems built for rainy season collection will be tested then in the 3rd quarter, and evaluated as the dry season approaches again in the 4th.

B. Project Ideas for Xayabouri Province

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting System in at least two elementary schools in the target villages, at minimum Vangthoum and Nasom primary (B. Nathan) in Paklai District, and two in Phiang District;

Drill boreholes in Takdaet, at Vangthoum elementary, for supplemental water supply.

Offer additional jumbo jars, well-ring tanks of 1-3 m3 size at community sites ( hospitals and temples);

Promote agroforestry or planting of economic trees, or other vegetation to maintain soil and moisture;

Encourage ecological design of non-stream associated water supply – and multi-purpose ponds.

Planning and design assistance to determine baseline of water delivery system before (irrigation) prior to potential improvements of canal or control gate at Nascing Weir, or creation of a sediment basin.

Offer water management and GIS training for planning implementation of CCTAMs

C. Project Ideas for Savannakhet Province:

School roof harvesting systems in two schools / district

Offer 1-2 m3 tanks (concrete or jumbo jar) for households:

Assist with process change of local manufacture from 50 liter to 1000 liter jars with valves (B. Nongkhoun in Champhone).

Design and produce jar/tank covers

Encourage greenhouses and revegatation in Outhomphone

Offer and site livestock watering troughs

Encourage off-farm activities (black-smithing in Outhomphone: B. Na Huakhua, B. NakaSot)

Encourage off farm activities (mat weaving in Champhone: B. Kengpun; lead bird watching tours at the Bak or Ramsar site)

Introduce floating aquaculture ponds /herb gardens (Kengpun)

With increased understanding of sustainable water management there will be increased local and policy level adaptations to climate change. Without it, misconceived interventions occur that exploit river resources without any understanding of upstream or downstream effects, ecological values, or knowledge of the amount and location of water available throughout the year. Regardless, there exists the ingenuity of local communities to adapt to uncertainties imposed by climate change on the availability of water, and a desire to

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find any means of being able to cope with water scarcity or flood risk. Through the practice of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Resilient Adaptation (diversifying crops, supplies, and economic enterprises), significant adaptations for climate change induced sustainable water management can be achieved. Multi-sectoral training to enhance watershed planning and design of water management interventions will further enhance climate change adaptation and resilience (Appendix IV). The training course can be conducted with modes of online/ distance learning through campus or extension. Water Harvesting remains a viable solution for assisting Lao agricultural communities to adapt to climate change, and it is of paramount importance is the need to consider ecological processes and watershed scale interactions – prior to any medium to large scale development of water for irrigation. Balancing physical, social, ecological concepts from the perspective of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is needed before diverting all the ungaged flow of nearby streams and rivers for rice production. Regional and watershed scale planning and analysis is essential for sustainable water management planning, and is a primary recommendation of this mission. Multi-agency training programs focusing on GIS spatial planning of water management and harvesting projects are encouraged. Creating a vision and implementation plan for sustainable water management interventions require local community innovation and leadership.

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References

Gould, J.E. 1992. Rainwater Catchment Systems for Household Water Supply, Environmental Sanitation Reviews, No. 32, ENSIC, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok.

Kinkade-Levario, Heather. Design for Water : Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment, and Alternate Water Reuse; New Society Publishers, . p 84

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Publication No. AG-473-15

Lao Census of Agriculture 2012/2011 Highlights – May 2012

Lancaster, Brad (2006) Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond - Guiding Principles to Welcome Rain Into Your Life and Landscape, v.1-2

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Publication No. AG-473-15, “seep /spring development”

Oregon Building Codes Division - Rainwater Harvesting Smart-Guide, at: www.bcd.oregon.gov

Rajindra De S Ariyabandu, Lanka (2001) The Thai Rainwater Jar Programme in NE Thailand, Rain Water Harvesting Forum (hartiiar@sltnet.lk) June (5 pp)

Savvanakhet Agriculture Plan 2010

Sivanappan, R. K. (2006) Rain Water Harvesting, Conservation and Management Strategies for Urban and Rural Sectors, National Seminar on Rainwater Harvesting and Water Management 11-12 Nov. 2006, Nagpur

Vivanathan, C.; J. Kandasamy and S. Vigneswaran (2006) Water Harvesting Worshop, Rainwater Collection and Storage in Thailand: Design, Practices and Operational Issues, RWHM Workshop IWA 5th World Water Congress and Exhibition, Beijing China, September 11, 2006.

UNEP [United Nations Environment Programme] 1982. Rain and Storm water Harvesting in Rural Areas, Tycooly International Publishing Ltd., Dublin.

Virginia Rainwater Harvesting Manual 2007; The Cabell Brand Center, Salem, VA (www.cabellbrandcenter.org) (59 pp)

Wall, B.H. and R.L. McCown 1989. Designing Roof Catchment Water Supply Systems Using Water Budgeting Methods, Water Resources Development, 5:11-18.

Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA, 1976) “Appropriate Technologies for Development- Freshwater Fish Pond Culture and Management

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE, 2009) Pond Construction: Some Practical Considerations. Online at: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/420/420-011/420-011.html

http://www.kasetporpeang.com/forums/index.php?topic=44826.0

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Appendix I. GIS Water Management and Climate Change Training - Concept Note

Concept Water Management and Climate Change GIS Training – 2013-14

Offered to 15-20 people in person, and more individuals if provided in a web based or online format.

The training would give a quick introductory overview of GIS applications, then focus on specific land or water issues, and also teach water management and climate change concepts.

Each participant will devise a question for their own project which would be a resource issue of concern, and use GIS to investigate and answer the question that is posed.

The course would be taught for ArcGIS 10.1. One of the latter classes would teach hydrologic network and watershed delineation

The course would be taught partially in person and partially in an online webinar format with students submitting their lab assignments through a teaching website.

Attached is a draft syllabus to be revised with Lao Data and Lao Agriculture and Natural Resource examples that are appropriate to the data and questions that would be answered by better planning and mapping capabilities at NAFRI and other resource management agencies. Five or six units will be revised with Lao data for the exercises, and the participants will work on their own for good portions of the lab assignments which will answer questions about the landscape and resources. The individual or team projects will reflect learning in water management linkages to climate change. Participants will learn GIS by doing their work. Attached is a summary and a 47 page tutorial (3.7 MB) offered in-class and on-line jointly by Utah State/Univ. of Texas/ Univ. Nebraska, which is the methodology for hydrologic network mapping as well as the use of ArcHydro online. I propose to revise this tutorial for Lao data and offer the course as part of a follow-on in-person/web based course structure to be implemented over the next year. This GIS-climate change-water resources based training will promote data sharing through the participation of other agencies such as the Ministry and Departments of Irrigation, Department of Water Resources and the River Basin Forecasting / HydroMeteorological Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Additional support from other donor agencies will be requested, such as FAO, JICA, and the US embassy Software and Licenses for ArcGIS 10.1 will be requested from ESRI in Redland California. Timeline: February – May, 2013 Develop Lao specific data layers and lab assignments June, 2013 Offer first in-person training, with instructions of remote log-in follow-up Online instruction every two weeks through December January 2014 Next in-person training Online instruction every two weeks through May, 2014 June 2014 Project Completion and Presentation of Projects over one week July 2014 Compilation of Projects and Results on-line and in published format

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Appendix II. Table of Contents for a Full Design and Implementation of a Water Harvesting System

Sample Calculations for Rainwater Collection vs. Demand

Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 Program Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.0 Facility Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1 Description of Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 Description of Design and Design Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3 Drawings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.0 Project Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.0 Constructibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0 Operation and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sample Calculations of rainwater collection vs. demand (at Vangthoum for two 2000 liter tanks)

Month Precip. (mm)

Scaled Precip. (mm)

Potential Volume of

Water Collected,

V (L)

Volume of Water

Collected, V (L)

Water Demand

(L)

Supply minus

Demand (L)

Demand Shortage

(L)

Tank Storage

(L)

Jan 13 9.1 1147 1147 1101 45 0 4000

Feb 4.38 3.1 386 386 1101 -715 -715 4000

Mar 106.8 74.8 9420 4000 1101 2899 0 4000

Apr 137.8 96.5 12154 4000 1101 2899 0 4000

May 227.86 159.5 20097 4000 1101 2899 637 3363

Jun 195.2 136.6 17217 4000 501 3500 637 2727

Jul 258.88 181.2 22833 4000 0 4000 637 2090

Aug 257.375 180.2 22700 4000 0 4000 347 1743

Sep 287.14 201.0 25326 4000 250 3750 637 1107

Oct 116.2 81.3 10249 4000 1101 2899 637 470

Nov 53.1 37.2 4683 4000 1101 2899 0 834

Dec 20.17 14.1 1779 1779 601 1178 0 2420

Total 1678 1175 147991 9059 30253 2817 30754

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Appendix III. Generalized cost estimate for a rooftop harvest system at Vangthoum primary school

Unit Unit size

(D, m) Height

(m) Units

Needed V

(liters) Unit Price (Kip/Baht)

Total Price (Kip)

Unit $ (USD)

Total $ (USD) Note

Jars - ferrocement

1000 Liter Jar Tank 4 1000 500,000 500,000 $ 63 $ 252 X-1

Spigot ea 8 12000 48,000 $ 6 $ 48 V-2

Cover 1 $ 15

Total Tank Cost

$ 315

width length Total Unit Price (Kip/Baht)

Total Price (Kip)

Unit $ (USD)

Total $ (USD) note

Conveyance System

Half Round Gutter (50cm) m 8 42 92 180 $ 6 $ 552 X-4

Hangers ea 14 80 $ 3 $ 37

Outlets & End Caps ea 1 $ 5 $ 5

Y-split ea 2 3000.0 $ 5 $ 10

First flush (pipe) m 0.5 $ 5 $ 3

PVC Piping m 4 3 20000 60,000 $ 8 $ 23 V-2

PVC corners ea 6 3000 18,000 $ 2 $ 14 V-2

Wire Mesh m2 1 $ 11 V-2

Cloth weave m 2 1 2 8000 16,000 $ 2 $ 4 V-2

Chlorine Tablets kg 2 $ 20 $ 20

Total Cost for Conveyance and Other Accessories

TOTAL / SUBTOTAL

$ 718

Selected Tank 1000 Liter Jar Tank 4 1000 500,000 1,000,000 $ 63 $ 252 X-1

Well Ring Tank m 0.8 0.5 2 1005 $ 54 $ 109 X-2

Material Costs for System: 4(1000_ Liter Jumbo Jars $978 (two parallel tanks) 1000 Liter Cylindrical Tank $827 Additional costs for labor and transport, reasonable $150 for a total of $1000 USD per 2000 L tank system

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Appendix IV. Operations and Maintenance Guideline for School Rooftop Harvesting System

6.0 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE All Operations and Maintenance activities for the rainwater catchment system and tanks are identified below. First Flush System:

The first flush system is automatic so human interaction is not needed for operation and is only rarely needed for maintenance. The first flush pipes should be checked monthly for leaks and blockage. Minor leaks may be repaired with silicon glue. Blockages can be removed manually. Time needed to maintain first flush system is estimated to be approximately 10 minutes per month. Gutters and Pipes:

Gutters and pipes should be checked monthly for leaks or blockages. Metal components used to attach gutters to the schoolhouse roof should be checked monthly for rusting and breakage. Cracks in gutters can be repaired with silicon glue, and rust can be repaired with sandpaper and aluminum gloss paint. Blockages can be removed manually. PVC pipe is readily available in the nearby town of Takdaet(?) and can be quickly replaced in case of damage. Replacement frequency will be dependent on how careful townspeople are around the catchment system and if it is subjected to unnecessary strain. Time needed to maintain gutters and pipes is estimated to be approximately 30 minutes per month. Tanks:

Tanks must be cleaned and disinfected annually and should be checked along with the gutters for leakages monthly. One should not enter the tank when cleaning. In order to clean, first drain the tank and close the tap. Wash the inside surfaces of the tank with water and then drain the freshwater and sediment from the bottom by opening the spigot. Chlorination and bleach can be used to disinfect it but both include mixing with water (5 mL of bleach per liter of water). In using chlorine and bleach, the solution needs to sit for 2-5 hours and then let drain until the smell of chlorine disappears. The spigot should be tightly closed and secured after every use. When tanks are protected from weather, their lifetime is 35 years. Estimated time for cleaning and inspecting tanks is 4 to 6 hours per year. Drainage System:

The drainage channel designed to redirect any overflows would need to be checked for sediment and refilled with gravel as needed.

All parts will be procured in-country for easy replacement in case of damage.

The school teacher(s) will be present during construction to ensure proper understanding of the system and its operation.

Appendix V : Pre-Feasibility Implementation Plan for a Rainwater Harvesting

System at Vangthoum Primary School in Xayabouri Province, Laos (10 page draft

provided under separate cover)